www.iFourWinns.com

i am wondering about the keel channel that runs from in front of the shower bilge forward. what is it for? i assume for water condensation from the frig & fuel tank? anybody know? need some anti freeze there in northern climates?

checking my anti freeze right at the new opened fallon bottle reads -12 freezing point & lable saying -50 what gives?

z

Could you identify what make and model your boat is?

Some types of anti-freeze may have a temperature at which they gel, and a colder temp where they actually freeze and expand causing damage to the engine or plumbing holding the anti-freeze.

_________________
Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

hi there,

i have a 1996 238 vista 5.0 fi w/ sx volvo drive.

thanks

Add some antifreeze to any thing like the water tank, plumbing you can not completely drain, the shower sump pump box, and any other water holding areas that you can not completely drain or suck dry with a shop vac. Personally, I would not add antifreeze to the bilge if there is no water present unless you are expecting to store it outside where it is likely to accumulate water and freeze.

When considering your water system, some people prefer to blow the plumbing out completely with compressed air, if available, to eliminate the antifreeze odor or taste the next season. The Four Winns owner's manuals refer to a process of treating the system with a mild bleach solution, flush, then a vinegar/water solution, flush, then fill and use. We have had good luck with this, but remember that seasonal use of a drinking water system can lead to issues where you might not want to drink the water unless treated or boiled. This might lead to consuming "other beverages"

_________________
Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

thanks for ther reply.

i do agree not to drink the water coming from the faucet. their are plenty of other choices on board for sure.

i posted a problem w/ belts breaking a while back. it seems we we were getting old belts that could not hold up to the over tightening we were putting on the belt. we went to a 'gates' cogged belt from an auto part store vs a marine shop. that seem to stop the squeak.

next are the gearcase trim & trim tabs. any luck checking the gearcase trim fluid?

z

You can check the out drive oil level when on the trailer (out of the water) by trimming the drive down to level and removing the Dipstick on the top center of the out drive. The oil should show on the bottom inch or so of the stick. Volvo currently recommends a synthetic 75W90 gear oil in the out drive.

The trim pump should be in the engine compartment, probably on the port side mounted on the transom. Consult the owner's manual for checking the trim pump oil level. I believe that the fluid level should be even with the bottom of the filler neck with trim fully up. Power Steering fluid is used in the trim pump.

Here is a link to a manual that you might find interesting:

http://boatinfo.no/lib/volvo/manuals/sx ... .html#/162

You can also find this by doing a Google search for something like "Volvo SX Repair Manual" or equivalent search for the engine.

_________________
Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon